a program of MarineParents.com

Boots in the House

Written by Nate Hendren, Cpl. USMC '08-'12

Nate was a Corporal with the United States Marine Corps from 2008-2012. He is a combat veteran. He has worked at Marine Parents as a writer since he left the Marine Corps. Nate recently graduated from College and is now at the Police Academy in St. Louis. He continue to write for the organization. Click here to read more about the author.

We here at Marine Parents have recently noticed a lot of our users in the Facebook groups using the phrase, "boots in the house" when their Marine is home. Likely because for the however many days of leave your Marine has, there might literally be a pair of new Marine Corps issued boots somewhere within your home. So "boots in the house" makes sense and it's kind of cute. It's thought to be a sweet sort of congratulations for a newly graduated Marine fresh out of "boot" camp.

But, there's one thing you ought to know.

Calling a Marine a "boot" is actually a disparaging term. It's Marine Corps slang for the new guys. "The fresh meat." It's a slightly derogative expression used by older, more experienced Marines in the fleet to describe those who have just graduated and still sport their boot camp haircuts. There's nothing wrong with it. It's a tradition as old as the Corps itself to always knock on the new guys or gals for a while. Your new Marine is likely already aware of it and what's to come when he or she reports to their final unit. The term will go away after one or two years or a deployment. It's just all in good fun. It's the way 'ol Chesty Puller would still want it.

In the meantime, I would just advise that maybe as parents you don't refer to them in that way. It'll probably make them cringe hearing it from you! Plus, "Marine in the house" has a much better ring to it!

ABOUT US

MarineParents.com, Inc., was founded nationally on January 21, 2003 to provide support, information, and services to Marines and their family members, and create opportunities for the public to support our troops through the organization's outreach programs. In over 15 years of service, Marine Parents has made a huge impact in support of Marines, military personnel, and their family members.

For those with a loved one in military service, you are not alone. You've found Marine Parents, a Place to Connect & Share®. We've been supporting Marines and their family members across the nation for more than 15 years.

Whether you need our support or you'd like to support others, you'll find what you're looking for with our outreach programs. Together, we support the troops and their family members. Hover over an icon to learn more; click an icon to go to the website.

is owned and operated by MarineParents.com. Purchase your Marine Corps clothing, recruit graduation items, and gifts where 100% of the proceeds support the outreach programs of the organization, an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charity. The EGA Shop is an Official Marine Corps Trademark Licensee.

MarineParents.com, Inc., an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charity eligible to receive tax deductible donations, was founded on January 21, 2003 to provide support, information, and services to Marines and their family members, and create opportunities for the public to support our troops through the organization's outreach programs.